Provides organization that often reflects clarity of purpose with a structure, supporting details, and transitions.

3

Acceptable organization that underscores purpose; supporting details, while present, are not abundant; transitions are often but not always smooth for readers

2

Organization does not support purpose; it is hard for readers to discern structure of text. Generalities used in support of ideas.

1

There is no organization in the essay.

Usage and Mechanics

5

Word choices are highly appropriate for intended audience; sentences are varied; there are no errors in punctuation, spelling, or grammar.

4

Word choices are often appropriate for intended audience; sentences are usually varied; there are limited errors in punctuation, spelling, or grammar.

3

Word choices are occasionally appropriate for intended audience; sentences are sometimes varied; there are errors in punctuation, spelling, or grammar.

2

Word choices are seldom appropriate for intended audience; sentences are not varied, there are many errors in punctuation, spelling, or grammar.

1

Word choices are inappropriate and confusing to intended audience; sentences are elementary or nonexistent; writing show no effort in addressing proper conventions of punctuation, spelling, or grammar.